Officials angry over spay/neuter vouchers

March 23, 2009 12:00:00 AM PDT

LOS ANGELES --

Some Los Angeles City Councilmembers are fighting mad about the decision to suspend spay/neuter vouchers.Some of those councilmembers had harsh criticism Monday for the head of the Animal Services department over the decision.

The city council is expected to reverse the decision Friday.

The voucher suspension comes five months after a citywide ordinance went into effect that requires most pet owners to spay and neuter cats and dogs older than four months.

Councilmembers told Boks they are angry he did not consult with the Board of Animal Services Commissioners and a pet-sterilization committee before stopping the coupons for free and discounted services.

Boks said his decision was based on a budget shortfall, but that he takes the committee's concerns seriously.